1. The Fall of King Louis XVI
The French Revolution
The Fall of King Louis XVI

2. The main cause of the French Revolution was…
Opening
The main cause of the French Revolution was…

3. Causes of the French Revolution
King vs. Estates
The French people united to fight the king for government power.
The clergy, nobles and peasants had long fought with each other for power and privileges, keeping them too divided and weak to overthrow the monarchy.
King Louis XVI’s order to tax everyone united all three estates against the monarchy.
Feudalism Was Failing
The French system of government was broken and needed replacement.
Funding the American Revolutionary War and the Royal Family’s selfish spending showed that the government could not care for its own people.
King Louis XVI’s decision to order taxes without the people’s consent was a step too far.
Enlightenment Ideas
The French wanted freedom, equality and democracy.
For hundreds of years, French people gave all government power to absolute monarchs and followed their laws.
Now, Enlightenment ideas like freedom, equality and democracy were more popular than obedience, monarchy and tradition.

4. Changes in France’s Government

5. Tennis Court Oath (June 20, 1789)
Delegates of the first, second and third estates refuse to accept King Louis XVI’s order to pay taxes and swear an oath to write a new constitution.

6. Storming of the Bastille (July 14, 1789)
French citizens attack a government fortress in downtown Paris, taking weapons and freeing political prisoners.
Showed that King Louis XVI no longer controlled his subjects.

7. Declaration of the Rights of Man and of the Citizen (August 26, 1789)
The National Assembly approves a document describing the values of the revolution.
Marquis de Lafayette – Main Author
Inspired by the Enlightenment (and Americans)

8. (Failed) Flight to Varennes (June 21, 1791)
King Louis XVI, Marie Antoinette and their children attempt to flee to Austria.
The Royal Family is caught, returned to Paris, and put under house arrest.

9. French Constitution of 1791 (September 3, 1791)
Legislative Branch
National Assembly – elected leaders to vote for and enact laws.
Executive Branch
King Louis XVI – to enforce laws and command the military
Judicial Branch
Courts – to evaluate laws and judge cases

10. Austria and Prussia Invade France (July 30, 1792)
Marie Antoinette’s brother, Leopold, leader of Austria, teams with Prussia to invade France to free the Royal Family.
King Louis XVI and Marie Antoinette are accused of plotting the invasion, and are transferred from house arrest to prison.

11. Trial of King Louis (December 3, 11, 23, 1792)
King Louis XVI accused of planning the invasion of France by Austria and Prussia and charged with treason.
Maximilien Robespierre leads the prosecution, arguing that “the king must die so that the country may live.”
Louis is convicted, stripped of his title, and sentenced to death by guillotine.

12. French Constitution of 1791
Legislative Branch
National Assembly – elected leaders to vote for and enact laws.
Executive Branch
Committee of Public Safety – small group lead by Robespierre empowered to enforce laws.
Executive Branch
King Louis XVI – to enforce laws and command the military
Judicial Branch
Courts – to evaluate laws and judge cases

13. Execution of King Louis XVI (January 21, 1793)
Started fights between Royalists and Jacobins
Lead to the Committee of Public Safety’s “Reign of Terror” attacks on alleged Royalists

14. Execution of Marie Antoinette (October 16, 1793)
Accused of:
Orgies at Versailles
Sending money to Austrian relatives
Planning murders
Incest with her son
Naming her son King of France
Tried on October 14, 1793 and guillotined just two days later.

15. Why did King Louis XVI fall from power? How did he lose his power?
Closing
Why did King Louis XVI fall from power?
How did he lose his power?